The Charlotte Hornets visit the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena tonight in a pivotal Eastern Conference showdown between two teams fighting for playoff positioning. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET with the game available on Bally Sports Detroit, Bally Sports Southeast, and NBA League Pass.
Stakes High for Both Franchises
Charlotte enters tonight’s contest with a 28-31 record, sitting just outside the play-in tournament picture. The Hornets have won three of their last five games, with LaMelo Ball averaging 22.8 points and 8.1 assists over that stretch. Ball’s return from a month-long absence due to ankle injury has stabilized Charlotte’s offense, which ranks 15th in the league at 114.2 points per game.
Detroit comes in at 24-35, holding the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons have struggled defensively all season, allowing 118.4 points per contest—fourth-worst in the NBA. However, Cade Cunningham has emerged as a legitimate cornerstone, posting 22.1 points, 7.6 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game while shooting 35.8 percent from three-point range.
Key Matchup: Ball vs. Cunningham
The point guard duel between Ball and Cunningham could determine tonight’s outcome. Ball has recorded four double-doubles since returning from injury on February 8, including a 32-point, 11-assist performance against Miami. Cunningham countered with 28 points and 12 assists in Detroit’s last meeting with Charlotte on January 15, a 118-112 Pistons victory.
Charlotte’s Miles Bridges provides another offensive weapon, averaging 20.3 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting 46.7 percent from the field. The 25-year-old forward has scored 20-plus points in seven of his last 10 games, forming a potent duo with Ball in the backcourt.
Broadcast and Streaming Options
Local television coverage features Bally Sports Detroit for Pistons fans and Bally Sports Southeast for Hornets viewers. National audiences can access the game through NBA League Pass, with radio coverage available on 97.1 The Ticket in Detroit and WFNZ 610 AM in Charlotte.
The game is also available through streaming services including FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, and YouTube TV for subscribers in respective markets. International viewers can watch via NBA League Pass International.
Injury Report Creates Opportunities
Charlotte lists center Mark Williams as questionable with a back injury, potentially opening minutes for Nick Richards, who has averaged 8.4 points and 6.2 rebounds in 14 starts this season. The Hornets have struggled with interior defense without Williams, allowing 52.8 points in the paint over their last five games.
Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart remains day-to-day with a toe injury, though the power forward practiced fully on Tuesday. Stewart’s presence has been crucial for Detroit’s rebounding, as the Pistons rank 25th in defensive rebounding percentage at 72.1 percent.
Veteran guard Terry Rozier, acquired by Charlotte at the trade deadline, has provided instant offense with 18.7 points per game in seven appearances. His playoff experience could prove valuable as the Hornets make their final push for postseason contention.
Historical Context
These franchises have split their season series 1-1, with the home team winning both previous meetings. Charlotte took a 123-121 overtime thriller at Spectrum Center on November 3, while Detroit answered with that January victory in Michigan.
The Pistons have won four of their last six home games against Charlotte, though the Hornets hold a slight edge in recent seasons with a 6-4 record in their last 10 meetings.
Both teams enter tonight desperate for wins with just over a month remaining in the regular season. Charlotte sits 2.5 games behind the 10th-seeded Atlanta Hawks for the final play-in spot, while Detroit trails the same Hawks by 6.5 games.
The Hornets continue their four-game road trip Friday night against the Milwaukee Bucks.
